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OF ATTORNEY CLIENT PRIVILEGE

• This form of communication is for informational purposes only and NOT legal advice.

• You agree that submitting electronic information to us does not constitute a request for legal advice and that you are not forming an attorney-client relationship between any attorneys affiliated, or employed by the Men’s Legal Center, unless agreed upon via retainer agreement with the Men’s Legal Center.

• You are urged not to send us any confidential information contained in an e-mail or any attachment until such time as we have indicated to you that we are able to review that information.

• You recognize that our review of your information, even if it is confidential and even if it is transmitted in a good faith effort to retain us, does not preclude us from representing another client directly adverse to you, even in a matter where that information could and will be used against you.

• If you have time sensitive information do not e-mail us. Please call us and schedule an initial consultation at (619) 234-3838.

• By clicking “Accept,” you represent that you understand this disclosure and agree that submitting this form to our attorneys DOES NOT establish any type of attorney client relationship with the Men's Legal Center.

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Client’s Testimonials

Bwayne 0.

I'll start by saying that Dianne Jones truly became my Guardian Angel! In regards to my divorce case that has lasted several years without an end in sight

Adam B.

I just had my first meeting with Dianne Jones at Men's Legal Center. I walked into the office entirely overwhelmed at the divorce process after being served

Shane M.

Being a dad with two baby mommas, I was scared of the court process hearing that California is a mommy state. DO NOT BELIEVE THIS! A big THANK YOU to Men's

Apr

18

Ringing In Changes in Relationship Law

A 14-month engagement left a New York man much poorer than he anticipated when he decided he no longer wanted to marry his fiancé. Perhaps unwisely, he sent her a text message ending the engagement and the relationship. When she questioned him, he stated his position and added these now infamous words “Plus you get a $50,000 parting ring. Enough for a down payment on a house.” Who knew those words were going to end up costing so much?

According to reports, the man later changed his mind about the ring and requested its return from his former fiancé, who refused. The man filed suit and took the case all the way to the Supreme Court. Unfortunately for the man, the court sided with the ex-fiance, stating that the wording in the text message was clear and to the point: the ring would be considered a gift.

Be Careful What You Wish For

When a couple becomes engaged there are norms and customs that surround the event. While these may not be canonized into law, they are generally respected by courts if the couple decides to terminate the engagement.

While it is not required that one or both members of the couple purchase a ring, one is usually selected, and is often the subject of a joint decision on style and price. If the engagement does not work out, however, the law and etiquette may go to war.

In most situations an engagement ring is considered a promise and in some states a contract for the future. Normal protocol dictates that when a woman ends an engagement she should return the ring, but in situations where the man ends the relationship the choice is up to the woman to return the ring. Most courts do not require the ring’s return if it is clear that the woman is not the person who ended the relationship.

California holds to the standard that if the receiver of the ring (usually the woman) breaks off the engagement she should return it, but if the giver (usually the man) breaks off the engagement the ring is considered a parting gift. If the ring is a family heirloom, some courts will rule that it must be returned to the rightful family owner.

If you are facing any type of relationship situation which threatens to become a legal problem, contact the Men’s Legal Center. We can help you find answers to all your legal questions regarding engagements, marriages and other relationships.

DISCLAIMER AND NON DISCLOSURE
OF ATTORNEY CLIENT PRIVILEGE

• This form of communication is for informational purposes only and NOT legal advice.

• You agree that submitting electronic information to us does not constitute a request for legal advice and that you are not forming an attorney-client relationship between any attorneys affiliated, or employed by the Men’s Legal Center, unless agreed upon via retainer agreement with the Men’s Legal Center.

• You are urged not to send us any confidential information contained in an e-mail or any attachment until such time as we have indicated to you that we are able to review that information.

• You recognize that our review of your information, even if it is confidential and even if it is transmitted in a good faith effort to retain us, does not preclude us from representing another client directly adverse to you, even in a matter where that information could and will be used against you.

• If you have time sensitive information do not e-mail us. Please call us and schedule an initial consultation at (619) 234-3838.

• By clicking “Accept,” you represent that you understand this disclosure and agree that submitting this form to our attorneys DOES NOT establish any type of attorney client relationship with the Men's Legal Center.